James L. Mcminn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James L. McMinn (665737), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy aggressor forces while serving with a Marine Engineer Platoon employed by an Infantry unit of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 2 December 1950. Serving as a machine gunner with the outpost line of resistance in the vicinity of the strategically important military base at Hagaru-ri, Corporal McMinn displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty as he covered the withdrawal of the platoon to the main line of resistance. After many hours of repeated vicious enemy attacks the platoon had suffered heavy casualties before the numerically superior foe finally overran the right flank of the outpost. When the Company Commander ordered a withdrawal, Corporal McMinn had the only machine gun still in operation and, bravely remaining in position he successfully covered the platoon’s withdrawal, delivering a devastating volume of accurate fire enabling the platoon to reach safety without receiving further casualties. Without any assistance or covering fire he made his way back to friendly lines repeatedly turning to fire at the oncoming enemy. Upon reaching the main line of resistance he set up his gun and continued to fire until the attack was stopped. By his exceptional courage and lack of fear in the face of intense hostile fire, Corporal McMinn contributed directly to the success of the company in holding its section of the defensive line. His unfaltering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.